Developed from its long line of highly successful multi-cylinder racers, MV Agusta's first road-going four - the 4C, a twin-carburettor, 600cc, shaft-driven tourer - appeared in 1965. But the public demanded something more exciting from many-times World Champions MV, and the Gallarate manufacturer duly obliged in 1968, upping capacity to 743cc and further boosting maximum power (to 65bhp) by fitting a quartet of Dell'Orto carburettors to the revised 750S, a high-speed symphony in red, white and blue. Perhaps surprisingly for a sports model, the 750S retained the 4C's shaft final drive while the frame too was virtually identical to that of its predecessor.

Hand made in limited numbers and priced accordingly, the 750S was way beyond the financial reach of the average enthusiast. Marque specialist Mick Walker got to try a mint, low mileage example in 1983, recording the event in his book 'MV Agusta Fours': 'The experience was unique; the rider was transported to a different level, and made to feel really special. There was certainly a pronounced "feel-good factor".'

Although no lightweight - it weighed nearly as much as a Kawasaki Z1 - the 750S gave little away in outright performance terms to such larger machinery, thanks, no doubt, to its engine's Grand Prix heritage. Testing a 750S in 1975, Bike magazine found the motor very powerful. 'Surprisingly it also has great reserves of torque and pulls happily from four thousand. It's probably the most powerful 750cc motor made; in a straight drag with a Z1 it lost only a few yards up to 100mph.'

The 750S was not replaced (by the 750S America) until 1976. Bike rated the 750S as 'one of the most dramatic-looking bikes made, the real stuff of legend.' Few would disagree.

This MV Agusta 750S was purchased circa 1999 by the current vendor. The machine shows signs of having been restored, and the odometer reading of 25 kilometres is believed to be the distance covered since restoration. Offered with a German Fahrzeugbrief.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

We are advised the engine number prefix '199' indicates this engine left the factory as a 600cc unit.

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

For Motorcycles (Lots 101-304) a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £50,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £50,000, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.

Buyers Premium on all Automobilia lots (Lots 1-84) will adhere to Bonhams group policy, 25% up to £100,000 of hammer price, 20% from £100,001 to £2,000,000 of hammer price, and 12% on the balance thereafter. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT. Some lots may be subject to VAT on the hammer price. These lots will be clearly marked with a dagger (†) printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.

Collection Notices

Collection and Storage Information

MotorcyclesVehicles must be collected from the sale venue by 7pm on the day of the sale. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection. Otherwise Lots shall be removed to local store in Stoke-on-Trent at the Buyer's expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of Sale.

Removal and Storage of VehiclesAll Lots not removed in accordance with the above will be transported by Polygon Transport to local store in Stoke-on-Trent. Please contact Polygon Transport to make arrangements for the collection/delivery of your lot:

Polygon Transport+44 (0) 2380 871 555+44 (0) 2380 862 111 faxpolygon@polygon-transport.comwww.polygon-transport.comPurchases can only be collected once full settlement (inclusive of all charges) of all invoices issued to the buyer is received in cleared funds. Lots will be available for collection from local store in Stoke-on-Trent from 12pm Tuesday 25 April, by appointment with Polygon Transport.

Storage charges£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination

Limited transport is available to the South of England, Marchwood (Southampton) by request with Polygon Transport at£110 + VAT per motorcycle£160 + VAT per motorcycle combination

Storage charges£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination

Transport and ShippingA representative of Polygon Transport, Bonhams' preferred carriers, will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).